[News] CBJ suspend Texier for 2022/23 season

[sureLoss]

https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news...texier-release

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced today that forward Alexandre Texier, per the advice and recommendation of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, will not join the club for the 2022-23 National Hockey League season.

The rights of the club and player will be consistent with the treatment of a suspended player, so he will not be paid by the club and his salary will not count against the salary cap. As part of an agreement between the club, NHL, NHLPA and the player, Texier will be permitted to sign a one-year contract to play in Europe for the 2022-23 season.

Statement from Alexandre Texier
"During the past year, I have experienced some personal issues and challenges and I feel I need to be close to my family at this time. I have love and respect for the city of Columbus, the Blue Jackets, and the fans as everyone has always treated me first-class. I truly appreciate the support, help and empathy I have received from team management, the coaching staff, doctors, trainers and my teammates. This was a hard decision, but it is the best one for me right now."

Statement from Jarmo Kekalainen
"Alexandre Texier and I recently had a very long conversation in which he indicated to me that he was not ready to resume his career in the NHL at this time. While we are disappointed Tex will not be joining us for the 2022-23 season as we anticipated, his mental health and well-being remain our top priority and we will continue to support him in any way we can."

Texier, 22, was granted a leave of absence by the club last March after being sidelined due to a fractured finger on January 26 vs. Calgary. The native of Saint-Martin-d'Heres, France set single-season career highs in goals and points with 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points with 12 penalty minutes, 59 shots and an "even" plus/minus rating, while averaging 14:36 of ice time in 36 contests in 2021-22. Drafted by Columbus in the second round, 45th overall, at the 2017 NHL Draft, the 6-1, 186-pound forward has notched 22-27-49 with 44 penalty minutes and 189 shots in 123 career outings since making his NHL debut at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

[agulati]

So it is more of a mental health/personal circumstances thing rather than substance abuse. Wish him all the best in his personal life, and that he is able to hopefully continue with his career wherever that may take him.

He is still only 22 and was an RFA this summer, it looks like.

[TheScorpion]

Texier has an NHL contract through 2023 but Portzline just tweeted that it looks like he'll play in Switzerland next year instead

[agulati]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Texier has an NHL contract through 2023 but Portzline just tweeted that it looks like he'll play in Switzerland next year instead

Oh yes, you’re right. Capfriendly had zeroed his cap hit, so I assumed he was an RFA this year. Blue Jackets end up getting about 1.525 million cap space because of this, though I’m sure they would have rather had the player.

[lazypucker]

Does the suspended year slide to next season? Or CBJ/Texier will be out of their contract in 2023?

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Does the suspended year slide to next season? Or CBJ/Texier will be out of their contract in 2023?

Haven't seen any reports confirming, but I imagine that if the BJs are letting him sign with a European team, they have an agreement with the player and NHLPA that the contract will be tolled until he comes back to the NHL.

[GioforPM]

I wish him the best. It's a little odd that his issues keep him from playing NHL but not other pro leagues but I guess maybe being home is a factor.

[howard_the_duck]

If it's a mental health/substance abuse thing, the term 'suspended' is rather damning and a miss by the league/Blue Jackets, in my opinion.

'Texier takes leave of absence' would be more apropos.

[CaptainYooh]

Is he the first French-born NHL-er?

[Hockey_Ninja]

I wish him luck in getting better

[EVERLAST]

When I see stuff like this it makes me happy big Ern is here to try and help. I think of how Ferly benefitted from having someone to help. Brian's helped allot more players here and on other squads too.....his just a great dude all around.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Is he the first French-born NHL-er?

No, there have been a few. Huet, Rousell, Bordeleau, Bellemare to name a few.

France is actually ranked 13th in the world right now, between Norway and Belarus, and ahead of Austria and Kazakhstan.

[AC]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Is he the first French-born NHL-er?

12th it looks like.

https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/nati...eer-stats.html

Roussel and Bellemare are the 2 other active NHLers.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Is he the first French-born NHL-er?

Doesn't count but Huberdeau is first generation French. Parents immigrated to Quebec from France.

[midniteowl]

I really hope this kid get better, mental health problem and substance abuse is awful. Hope he gets all the helps and support there are for him.